- Mr Plane Guy
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 17 minutes ago
DragonPass UK vs Priority Pass: Which Lounge Pass Is Worth Your Pre-Flight Bubbles?
By Mr Plane Guy your airport lounge expert, and canapé snob.
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Airport travel can be stressful at the best of times – long queues, unpredictable delays, overpriced snacks, and the constant search for a free charging point. It’s no surprise that more and more travellers are looking for a quieter, more comfortable way to wait for their flight.
That’s where airport lounges come in – offering a bit of peace, a bite to eat, and maybe even a glass of something cold before boarding.
Two of the biggest names in lounge access are DragonPass UK and Priority Pass. But which one gives you better value, more reliable entry, and the most comfortable experience?
In this guide, I’ll break down both options, highlight the key differences, and help you decide which pass is right for your travels in 2025.
What Is DragonPass UK?
DragonPass is a global airport lounge access programme that promises entry to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, including some right here in the UK. It’s often bundled with premium bank accounts or credit cards – think Barclays Avios Rewards or the Revolut Ultra plan.
You download the DragonPass app, show your membership at the lounge desk, and – theoretically – in you go.
But here's where it gets tricky: DragonPass is often the third wheel at the lounge party. Many lounges accept it, yes, but they don’t always prioritise it.
DragonPass: The Plans
Here’s what DragonPass UK costs if you’re signing up independently:
Plan | Price | Lounge Visits | Guest Access |
Classic | £68/year | 1 free visit | £24 per guest or extra visit |
Preferential | £168/year | 8 free visits | £24 per guest or extra visit |
Prestige | £379/year | Unlimited visits | £24 per guest |
Pretty similar structure to Priority Pass (more on that shortly), but the big difference is how reliable each service actually is.
Can You Get DragonPass for Free?
You can – sort of.
Ways to Get DragonPass Without Paying Directly:
Barclays Avios Rewards: 4 free passes/year if you’re a Premier Banking customer.
Revolut Ultra Plan: Unlimited lounge access included.
Co-op Smilemore Account: 2 passes/year (though Co-op quietly stopped marketing this account in 2023).
What is Priority Pass?
Ah, Priority Pass. My Airport travel hack ssshh. My global golden ticket. My VIP buffet pass.
Priority Pass gives you access to 1,700+ Airport lounges worldwide, plus discounts at restaurants, spas, and even airport transfers – all through one slick little app.
I’ve personally used it over 36 times in the last year. Heathrow, Gatwick, Vienna, Rome – even Luton (don’t judge). Never once was I turned away.
It just works. Every. Single. Time.
Priority Pass Memberships (UK 2025 – with my 30% off deal)
Plan | Price (with discount) | Lounge Visits | Guest Access |
Standard | £48/year | £24 per visit | £24 per guest |
Standard Plus | £183/year | 10 free visits, then £24 | £24 per guest |
Prestige | £377/year | Unlimited visits | £24 per guest |
Which UK Lounges Accept DragonPass?
To DragonPass’s credit, they do have UK coverage, including:
Heathrow (Plaza Premium, No1 Lounges – depending on terminal)
Gatwick (No1 Lounges)
Manchester (Escape Lounges)
Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle, and more
BUT: During peak times, many of these lounges prioritise Priority Pass or LoungeKey over DragonPass. So while you're technically eligible, you’re not always guaranteed entry.
DragonPass vs Priority Pass: Who Wins?
Let’s compare side-by-side:
Feature | DragonPass UK | Priority Pass |
Global Lounges | 1,300+ | 1,700+ |
UK Lounges | Good, but not prioritised | Excellent, with higher priority |
App Quality | Decent | Excellent |
Restaurant & Spa Perks | Yes | Yes – with better availability |
Lounge Availability | Hit or miss | Very reliable |
Free Plans via Banks | Yes | Yes (e.g. Amex Platinum, HSBC Premier) |
Pre-Booking | Rare | Available at major lounges |
Best Deal | £68/year for 1 visit | £48/year with 30% off deal |
Hidden Perks of Priority Pass You’ll Actually Use
Restaurant Credit: Up to £23 off your bill at 200+ airport restaurants.
Spas & Wellness: Massages, facials, nail treatments in Dubai, JFK, Bangkok, and more.
WithU Fitness Membership: Free audio-guided workouts – ideal for frequent flyers.
Pre-book Lounges: Skip the queues with guaranteed entry at major UK hubs.
Lounge Status Alerts: Real-time updates on lounge capacity – no surprises at the door.
The Money Breakdown – Which Saves You More?
Let’s say you fly once a month.
Airport prices without a pass:
Pret coffee: £4
Meal: £25
Drink: £9
Snacks: £7= £45 per visit (and you’re still surrounded by chaos)
Here are some of the Airport Lounges I've visited in the last 12 months, thanks to my Priority Pass, just look at this value!
With Priority Pass Standard Plus (£183/year for 10 visits):
£18.30 per visit
Real food, peace, plug sockets and wine.
Savings over 10 trips? Over £270 – and a lot fewer headaches.
So, Is DragonPass Worth It?
If you got it free with a bank account? Sure – use the passes and hope for the best.
But if you’re choosing between paying for DragonPass or Priority Pass?
It’s Priority Pass, every time. More lounges, fewer denials, and a genuinely better experience.
Final Verdict: Your Pre-Flight Bubbles Deserve Better
DragonPass might be the lounge pass you get by default.
But Priority Pass? It’s the one you get when you actually want to enjoy the journey.
It’s flexible. It works worldwide. And right now, with my 30% off link, it’s cheaper than ever.
Click here to join Priority Pass with 30% off and get instant access to a better way to travel.
Because airport lounges aren't just for business class anymore. They’re for smart travellers who know that comfort, calm, and a cheeky glass of fizz at 9am is the best way to start a journey.
My Favourite Priority Pass Lounges This Year
No1 Lounge, Heathrow Terminal 2
This one feels like a proper treat. Stylish, spacious, with hot food that doesn’t make you feel stodgy and bloated, it's fresh and delicious yet light!
Also, the staff don’t look like they’re one flat white away from a breakdown – always a win.They even have their own signature cocktail and all drinks are included except the top brand champagnes.
Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport – Lounge of the Year 2025
Yes, it actually won Lounge of the Year and I can see why. Massive windows, loads of space, classy design, and the kind of food is exquisite. I had schnitzel and sparkling wine while watching planes take off from the little outside terrace.
Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge
Honestly, this lounge made me emotional. Italian pasta, espresso followed by an aperol or two and huge windows flooded with sunlight and tarmac views. It’s giving “first class” without the price tag. A must if you’re flying out of Rome.
Not Every Lounge is a Winner…
Let’s address the one dud in the pack: the Escape Lounge at Manchester Terminal 1.
Dull food, tired furniture, and a layout that made it feel like a hospital waiting room. Fortunately, Terminal 1 is closing, and so is this lounge – may it rest in peace (preferably under a pile of lukewarm pastries).
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Got Questions? Drop them in the comments, DM me on Instagram, or find me in a lounge somewhere with a pastry in one hand and an Aperol in the other.
Happy travels and see you in the lounge! Mr Plane Guy
Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.
I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed this DragonPass UK vs Priority Pass: Which Lounge Pass Is Worth Your Pre-Flight Bubbles? Do let me know in the comments........
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